FINAL preparations are being made ahead of Thursday's elections with candidates giving a mixed reaction on how it will go.

One hundred and seventy four people are standing in Greenwich's 17 wards.

There are 51 candidates each from Labour and the Tories, 45 Lib Dems, nine greens and three from UKIP.

Glyndon Labour representative Don Austen feels confident Labour will retain its majority of 37 seats in the borough.

And he thinks Labour will gain an extra three seats in Eltham South.

But Conservative candidate Spencer Drury is certain his party will double its number of seats to 18.

Middlepark and Sutcliffe Liberal Democrat candidate Brian Woodcraft is also convinced Labour will lose seats.

Mr Woodcraft said: "I am looking forward to tomorrow.

"It is quite likely Labour will have its worst poll results in 20 years.

"People cannot trust Labour especially with the peerages for loans scam and the state of the NHS."

He added: "In my ward we have proven we are doing the best for the people.

"We consistently keep in touch with them all year round and we hope to gain more seats on the council."

Eltham North candidate Mr Drury said: "The tide is turning against Labour.

"No-one wants to vote for them as the council has let people down on issues such as the level of council tax and problems of anti-social behaviour."

He added: "The council spends approximately £1.7m on press and publicity, which we intend to halve to put extra sweepers and police on the streets.

"These are basic bread and butter policies which we will deliver."

Mr Austen said: "Canvassing has gone really well and I think we will make inroads and get 40 seats this time.

"Regeneration of the area is unparalleled with £2bn invested into transport and jobs."

He added: "Before people start nitpicking they should take a look at what is happening in the borough."

To find your nearest polling station, visit greenwich.gov.uk or newsshopper.co.uk